Vehicles are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with higher battery capacities being introduced every day. While the first generation of EVs had a range of only 50 to 100 miles, today's newest EVs can drive 250 miles or more in a single charge. For example, the Tesla Model X boasts a range of well over 300 miles, and the newly released GM electric Hummer boasts a range of 350 miles or more. Here's what you need to know about getting the maximum range from your charging session.
EV Charging Levels
The average EV driver knows that different levels of chargers charge electric vehicles (EV) at different rates. A Level 1 charger, which may come with the vehicle at the point of purchase, can charge most vehicles overnight, during an 8-14 hour period, at a few miles per hour, but could take more than a day to fully charge from zero. Level 2 chargers are faster, typically charging a vehicle at a rate of anywhere from 10 to 60 miles per kilowatt-hour (kWh), depending on the charger. A Level 3 or DC fast charger can charge a fully electric vehicle in under an hour.
High Capacity Batteries and the Future of EVs
Is there really a difference in the time it takes a charger to charge an average EV vs. a long-range Tesla? Today, the average EV has a battery capacity of around 36 kWh and average onboard power rating of 6.6kW, taking around 5.5 hours to charge the EV from empty to full, with the average Level Two charger.
The Model X has a usable battery capacity of 100 kWh while the Tesla Cybertruck TriMotor has a battery capacity of over 200 kWh. With a 7.2 kW Level 2 charger and a 100 kWh battery capacity, the vehicle can take 14 hours to charge completely,. At this 7.2 kW charger, the Tesla Cybertruck TriMotor would take a whopping 28 hours!
DC fast chargers can charge a Tesla (or any other compatible EV) much faster, but they are more expensive to install, incur higher energy fees, and prematurely drain an EV's battery life if used too often. DCFC is a powerful tool for fleets and long road trips, but Level 2 chargers are more practical for everyday needs.
Power Up
Cars with higher battery capacity are also not getting the power they could be. The average L2 charger can offer up to 7.2 kW of power. The Tesla X can take in up to 11.5 kW, and who knows how powerful the next model or other luxury EV might be. The difference between 11.5 and 7.2 is what is currently being lost with the average charger. Some Teslas can even take in 19.2 kW!
Why buy a car that can handle more power if there isn’t a charger that can provide it? Until now.
Faster Level 2 Charging with Blink
Blink's Level 2 IQ 200 can provide up to 19.2 kW of power. The Blink IQ 200 is ready to give the Tesla even more power than the average model can take. The Tesla X and many other high-capacity battery cars can be charged to their maximum potential with an IQ 200. A Tesla with a battery capacity of 100 kWh and a power rating of 19.2 kW charges in approximately 14 hours with other Level 2 chargers, but can charge in 5 hours and 12 minutes with the IQ 200. Learn more about Blink's Level 2 charging solutions.
How does the type of charger impact charging time? Unlike the typical 7.2 kW charger, a 19.2 kW charger can actually charge a Tesla at its full 11.5 kW capacity. EV drivers can charge faster because the charger can deliver more than enough kilowatts per hour.
How do you get the most out of your Tesla? By charging at the fastest EV charger available.
The IQ 200 is ready for a higher average EV capacity than we see today. If your business is future-minded, embracing this innovation now can keep you ahead of the game. Even businesses that don’t currently have the IQ 200 units set up with the full 19.2 kW of power can easily upgrade their amperage without buying new equipment in the future.
If you want the smartest, fastest, newest EVs on the market, ordinary chargers just can’t get the most of your machine. The IQ 200 is already ahead of the curve and provides the speed and cost-efficiency property owners and EV drivers look for.